Columbus, OH — James Thomas “Tom” Sweeney Jr., 88, a lifetime resident of Hadley, Mich., died May 24, 2023.

James Thomas “Tom” Sweeney Jr. Photo courtesy of Muir Brothers Funeral Home.

Mr. Sweeney was born July 29, 1934, in Ortonville to James and Mary Kathleen (Boegner) Sweeney. He graduated from Lapeer High School, class of 1952.

He was a Golden Glove Champion in 1952 and  was known as the “Metamora Plow Boy.”

He married Phyllis Jean Brewer on July 16, 1955, at Immaculate Conception Church in Lapeer.

Phyllis and Tom owned and operated a gas station in Davison for a few years and then a gas station in Metamora where they began selling homemade bread. The bakery side of the business flourished and became “Sweeney’s Bakery” as  Tom and Phyllis owned and operated the bakery for more than 30 years.

Being a lifetime farmer, it wasn’t much of a leap that upon “retiring” from the bakery business, Mr. Sweeney went full time owning, training and driving Standardbreds. Through the years he loved many horses but his career’s pride and joy was Sweet Sylvester.

In his spare time, Mr. Sweeney loved baseball (playing as a young man and watching games his entire life) and he loved golf (both playing and watching on TV). He coached the kids through the years and was a beloved mentor to hundreds of locals. He was loved and admired by young and old alike.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; children, Patrick (Richene), Jeffrey (Kelly) and Shelly (John) Cross; grandchildren, Reann, Rachelle, Randilyn, Joshua, Kaine and Presley; great-grandchildren, Emmett, Elliott, Evan, Blake, Ryan, Zoe, Oliver, Max, Evelyn, Kody, Fiona, Caitlyn and Gary; siblings, Edna Mae Sierakowski, Thresa Brady and Pat (Barbara); and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Jim; grandson, Rocky; sisters, Barbara Pack and Mary Sweeney Butzier; as well as his aforementioned parents.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Please share condolences and memories with the Sweeney family at www.MuirBrothersLapeer.com.